Micromobility Frequently Asked Questions

Micromobility Basics

What is micromobility?

Micromobility is defined as lightweight vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, boards, etc. with drive systems which may be electric only, electric assist, or analog. Micromobility may be personally owned, borrowed, leased, or rented.

Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) are defined as electric or motorized scooters, electric skateboards, hoverboards, and other electric vehicles used for personal transportation and not titled and registered as a motorized vehicle by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Personal electric devices designed for and used to accommodate persons with mobility restrictions are not defined as PEVs and are not subject to the same policies.

Where can I get my bike repaired?

We offer free guidance and assistance at The HUB, located across the street from the Commons, for Texas A&M university affiliates. We do not sell or provide parts, but we have the knowledge required to do simple repairs. Please email bikes@tamu.edu to schedule an appointment for service.

Where are there bike lanes on campus?

You can find information about bike lanes on campus by referencing the map below.

Micromobility map

Can I rent micromobility?

Texas A&M affiliates can use our Borrow-A-Bike program. Through this program affiliates can borrow a bicycle free of charge up to 24 hours. If you need a bicycle for an extended period of time the university also offers a bike lease program.

Affiliates and non-affiliates can also download the VEO app to take advantage of the shared micromobility program.

Micromobility Registration FAQs

Texas A&M Transportation Services requires all micromobility on campus to be registered and show proof of registration by displaying a permit to avoid enforcement action. Mandatory bike registration includes a required $10 dollar fee applied to each device registered.

Why is micromobility registration mandatory?

It is critical for planning and communication purposes that Transportation Services have a complete and accurate database of micromobility devices and micromobility ownership on campus, which our new registration and permit system will help provide.

We would like to more efficiently communicate with the entire campus micromobility community, and the best way to do that is to have contact information of micromobility owners. This allows us to proactively reach out to micromobility users who might be impacted by an event on campus, such as construction. We will be able to scan the micromobility permit and send specific information to those who will be impacted.

Throughout the year, Transportation Services is asked to cut locks for micromobility owners when the lock fails to unlock for one reason or another. Proof of ownership is required before the lock can be cut. If a micromobility is registered, this is an easy process. If it is not registered, proof of ownership may prove more difficult for the micromobility owner.

There are instances of micromobility theft on campus, and the local and university police would also benefit from a more complete database of micromobility information, and one that includes serial numbers. This allows law enforcement to more easily identify owners of property allowing them to prosecute for theft. If a victim cannot be identified, there is no proof of theft.

Why is there a charge to register?

The micromobility program has grown considerably over the past several years to include many services, the majority of which are free of charge to students, such as:

all new micromobility racks
fix-it stations
improved micromobility lane designs and markings
bike share
borrow a bike
bike lease
educational events and hands-on training and assistance

The $10 registration fee will not completely cover the cost of the micromobility programs, however it will help to ensure it can continue for years to come.

Is there a registration period?

All micromobility must be registered before a device is brought to campus to avoid enforcement.

What information do I need before I register my device?

Bike make/brand
Color
Serial Number

You may also upload two pictures (max size 1MB each)

Pictures can be added at any time, by logging into My Parking
We recommend uploading photos that will help in identifying your bike, such as a full image of the bike, scan of your purchase receipt, or picture of your serial number plate.

What happens if I sell my device or get a new one?

If you sell your bike, please remove the bike permit before transferring ownership and return it to Transportation Services in Polo Rd. Building, Suite 350 or mail to 1250 TAMU. If you get a new bike, log into My Parking to register it.

Can non-affiliates register their micromobility devices?

We ask our visitors to abide by the micromobility rules mandated by the state and the regulations for our campus. At this time, we are not requiring registration for non-affiliated visitors parking micromobility devices on campus.

Micromobility Regulations FAQs

All devices operated or stored on campus must comply with university micromobility regulations.

Micromobility regulations

Do traffic laws apply to micromobility users?

Micromobility users must operate under Texas Motor Vehicle Laws while on public roadways, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, displaying proper illumination, and riding with the traffic flow on designated "One way" streets in designated bicycle lanes. Micromobility users must follow university bicycle regulations, including dismounting in designated areas.

Find more information about bike laws at the BikeTexas website.

What does UL certified mean?

In simple terms, UL certification is a label that confirms a product has undergone testing and conforms to the safety standards prescribed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a reputable, independent organization focused on safety science worldwide. If you want to learn more about UL certification, you can visit this website.

Can I bring my device into campus buildings?

Micromobility devices are not allowed inside any Texas A&M University buildings or athletics facilities. Devices may be stored and charged inside residence halls but must comply with with indoor charging regulations.

At what point do modifications categorize a device as DIY?

If a device, bike, scooter is modified in any way to incorporate or enhance a drive or assist system, it is DIY. This includes, but is not limited to, modifications using secondary motors, fuel tanks, batteries, and controllers.

Guidelines 2272 and 2849 refer specifically to complete, commercially-manufactured devices therefore a DIY device cannot comply, even if the parts are UL certified.

Are helmets required when riding micromobility on campus?

While not mandatory, micromobility users of all ages are encouraged to wear a helmet when riding.

Parking, Security & Enforcement

Where do I park my micromobility on campus?

All micromobility must be physically locked to a bike rack on campus. All bike racks are available 24 hours a day unless marked otherwise. Any abandonded devices will be impounded.

Micromobility Map

Do I have to lock my device to a bike rack?

Locking your micromobility device to a bike rack is mandatory. Unlocked devices will be impounded to prevent theft. We highly recommend a hardened steel U-lock.

What can happen to my micromobility if I don’t register it?

Your micromobility may be impounded. In order to get your micromobility released, you will first need to register your micromobility and obtain your permit. Then, email the Sustainable Transportation office at bikes@tamu.edu and schedule an appointment to visit the impound. You will need to bring your permit to the impound, and we will help you apply it to your micromobility. There is no charge associated with retrieving a micromobility from the impound.

What do I do if I cannot find my device?

How do I get my impounded device back?

Email the Sustainable Transportation office at bikes@tamu.edu and schedule an appointment to visit the impound. There is no charge associated with retrieving a bicycle from the impound. However, if your bike is impounded because it has not been registered, you will need to register your bike before it can be released. This can be done on your phone the day of your scheduled appointment.